Objective: It has been demonstrated that cancer patients experience a high level of psychological distress and psychosocial concerns across the cancer trajectory, and that unresolved psychologcial distress can lead to problematic psychological disorders. A tool called the Distress Thermometer has been recommended to screen cancer patients to identify psychological distress and psychosocial concerns early in the cancer trajectory. However, there has been limited qualitative research investigating the perceptions of cancer patients about the usefulness of the Distress Thermometer in distress management.The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the Distress Thermometer in identifying distress levels and psychosocial concerns over the cancer trajectory using a combined qualitative and quantitative approach.
Method: One hundred and nine cancer patients from a regional cancer centre in the Barwon region of Victoria participated in this study by completing the Distress Thermometer over three time periods. Three case studies were also conducted to add a qualitative dimension.
Results: Hypotheses were supported in that the Distress Thermometer was found to be useful in identifying psychological distress and psychosocial concerns to enable referral to supportive care services early in the cancer journey. Cancer patient's narrative accounts supported the usefulness of The Distress Thermometer as a screening tool. The case studies highlighted the Distress Thermometer as being an easier more efficient way of communicating concerns to clinicians.The study also showed evidence of gender differences which suggests that men may be more comfortable identifying physical concerns and women emotional concerns.
Conclusions: Findings are discussed with reference to implications for psychological/emotional support of cancer patietns, the provision of supportive care services and directions for future research.